"Order" and "order away for"

[Avidreader]

My father was all the while carefully selecting and ordering away for what he and Mother thought we children should grow up with.

In the above sentence, from Endora Welty's writing, a verb phrase "order away for" is used. Why not just use "order"? What is the difference between "order" and "order away for." What is the meaning of the adverb "away" in this phrase? Any similar examples?

 

[Raymott]

He sent away for it. That's how we would say it these days.
You write an order, and send/order it away to be filled.

 

[Avidreader]

Thank you! This is helpful.

 

[emsr2d2]

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